|
Post by lisacharlotte on Oct 18, 2018 1:24:00 GMT
I decided not to participate this year. I loved making cards and sending them out, and I loved checking the post box and actually having beautiful happy mail in it. But I struggled with what to do with the huge volume of cards I received. I have a friend who loves handmade cards so she's keen to take some of my collection to display in her house. She doesn't care that they're addressed to someone else. I may keep some of my favorites to display again this year (since most of my IRL friends don't send cards any more) but I don't have much space. I upcycled some of the store bought cards into new cards to donate this year, but what do you do with the handmade cards? Do you keep them all? Do you think about what happens to the handmade cards you send out? I choose a few that I really like design wise and put them in my PL album. The rest go in recycling. I participate and I'm not offended that the cards I send will be recycled or trash. I enjoy the giving and once it's delivered it has served its purpose.
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Oct 18, 2018 1:44:59 GMT
I enjoy the giving and once it's delivered it has served its purpose. I try to keep that philosophy in mind too. But sometimes the little voices in my head convince me otherwise ETA: I'm second-guessing my decision not to join in now.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Oct 19, 2018 1:56:31 GMT
I enjoy the giving and once it's delivered it has served its purpose. I try to keep that philosophy in mind too. But sometimes the little voices in my head convince me otherwise ETA: I'm second-guessing my decision not to join in now. Come on joblackford!
|
|
|
Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 19, 2018 2:10:48 GMT
I thought about signing up but work is so busy this year I just can't take anything extra on at the moment. Maybe next year. The other thing is that postage rates have gone up terribly in New Zealand the last couple of years and it's now $3 to send a regular letter/card overseas (Australia's a bit cheaper). If I was to sign up for the swap next year I think I'd need to put it in my budget! I am happy to send you, or dasmith2, or joblackford, or anyone else a Christmas card even if you decide not to sign up for the formal swap. You will, of course, have to message me with your address, but I don't keep spreadsheets. (Well, other than those already provided for the swap...)
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Oct 19, 2018 2:30:27 GMT
I try to keep that philosophy in mind too. But sometimes the little voices in my head convince me otherwise ETA: I'm second-guessing my decision not to join in now. Come on joblackford ! and the peer pressure begins... Yeah, I'll probably sign up. I think I was focusing too much on the wrong part of the process. (And I do have my donation cards done already, thanks to having started in January!)
|
|
eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
|
Post by eastcoastpea on Oct 19, 2018 20:53:01 GMT
I am! I'm excited.
|
|
|
Post by chrispeas on Oct 19, 2018 22:50:38 GMT
My first time ever! Super excited to get cards from my Peas!. I don’t get many anymore either.
|
|
|
Post by gmcwife1 on Oct 20, 2018 3:07:12 GMT
I decided not to participate this year. I loved making cards and sending them out, and I loved checking the post box and actually having beautiful happy mail in it. But I struggled with what to do with the huge volume of cards I received. I have a friend who loves handmade cards so she's keen to take some of my collection to display in her house. She doesn't care that they're addressed to someone else. I may keep some of my favorites to display again this year (since most of my IRL friends don't send cards any more) but I don't have much space. I upcycled some of the store bought cards into new cards to donate this year, but what do you do with the handmade cards? Do you keep them all? Do you think about what happens to the handmade cards you send out? I was thinking of repurposing last years into new cards to donate to my dads senior apartment complex. This way they can exchange among themselves, I can share the beauty that I’ve received and I don’t have to make them all myself!
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Oct 20, 2018 3:14:21 GMT
I decided not to participate this year. I loved making cards and sending them out, and I loved checking the post box and actually having beautiful happy mail in it. But I struggled with what to do with the huge volume of cards I received. I have a friend who loves handmade cards so she's keen to take some of my collection to display in her house. She doesn't care that they're addressed to someone else. I may keep some of my favorites to display again this year (since most of my IRL friends don't send cards any more) but I don't have much space. I upcycled some of the store bought cards into new cards to donate this year, but what do you do with the handmade cards? Do you keep them all? Do you think about what happens to the handmade cards you send out? I was thinking of repurposing last years into new cards to donate to my dads senior apartment complex. This way they can exchange among themselves, I can share the beauty that I’ve received and I don’t have to make them all myself! I think that's a great idea. I might add some in to my donation to a local senior home. I'm made cards to give to the residents, but it might be nice to have some more they can give to visitors/family or to each other. I have no shortage of cards to repurpose! I signed up, btw nicolep Peer pressure for the win.
|
|
hannahruth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,616
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Aug 29, 2014 18:57:20 GMT
|
Post by hannahruth on Oct 20, 2018 7:12:52 GMT
I thought about signing up but work is so busy this year I just can't take anything extra on at the moment. Maybe next year. The other thing is that postage rates have gone up terribly in New Zealand the last couple of years and it's now $3 to send a regular letter/card overseas (Australia's a bit cheaper). If I was to sign up for the swap next year I think I'd need to put it in my budget! I have signed up for the second time this year but feel a little guilty as not everyone was posted to last year! The cost of stamps in Australia is ridiculous ($2.40au) for Chirstmas stamps or $(2.70au) for regular overseas. I loved every card I received and posted as many as I could - next year I will buy stamps each week so I can do the whole list next year.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Oct 20, 2018 13:47:15 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 10:06:26 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2018 18:05:36 GMT
I'm signed up! This will be my first year participating. My BFF is a long-time Pea and convinced me to play along this year.
|
|
|
Post by gmcwife1 on Oct 20, 2018 19:47:59 GMT
I was thinking of repurposing last years into new cards to donate to my dads senior apartment complex. This way they can exchange among themselves, I can share the beauty that I’ve received and I don’t have to make them all myself! I think that's a great idea. I might add some in to my donation to a local senior home. I'm made cards to give to the residents, but it might be nice to have some more they can give to visitors/family or to each other. I have no shortage of cards to repurpose! I signed up, btw nicolep Peer pressure for the win. Score one, or more, for scrapbooking peer pressure When we moved my dad into his apartment they had a box of cards for the residents to give for different occassions. That felt like a nice little personal challenge to give back and keep it full
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Oct 20, 2018 21:25:20 GMT
I thought about signing up but work is so busy this year I just can't take anything extra on at the moment. Maybe next year. The other thing is that postage rates have gone up terribly in New Zealand the last couple of years and it's now $3 to send a regular letter/card overseas (Australia's a bit cheaper). If I was to sign up for the swap next year I think I'd need to put it in my budget! I have signed up for the second time this year but feel a little guilty as not everyone was posted to last year! The cost of stamps in Australia is ridiculous ($2.40au) for Chirstmas stamps or $(2.70au) for regular overseas. I loved every card I received and posted as many as I could - next year I will buy stamps each week so I can do the whole list next year. Don't feel guilty about not sending to everyone. I know I would prefer to too, because I like completing things, and also, how do you choose who to leave out? But in the US we're paying about 50 cents per envelope, or $1.15 for international stamps for the few overseas participants, so it's a whole lot cheaper. I would completely understand you guys in Oz and Nz only mailing to other locals on the list. It's no fun to spend hundreds of dollars on postage (I totally feel you because my family is in NZ and we spend a ridiculous amount on postage between NZ and the US. I'm always looking for small, lightweight gifts. And you're probably paying more for cards or card making supplies too!) I convinced myself to sign up in part because I figured that I could limit myself to sending to Peas I have a personal connection with or who are really local to me, if need be. I know no one is keeping track, and everyone is grateful for each card they receive.
|
|
nicolep
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,080
Jan 26, 2016 16:10:43 GMT
|
Post by nicolep on Nov 10, 2018 16:29:43 GMT
Btw...the holiday stamps from the USPS this season are a bore!
|
|
scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
Jun 26, 2014 14:43:10 GMT
|
Post by scrappington on Nov 10, 2018 17:10:57 GMT
I have so far addressed and packaged , added postage to all the Canadian and international participants. I have so far chosen one person from every state and have started on that list.
Not sure I will be able to send to all. But to half. Postage here is very expensive. It's $1.50 per envelope for US.
I'm not mailing yet of course but have piles of cards by region. Further away sooner I will send kinda thing.
I'm so looking forward to getting cards. Haven't told my husband he will be surprised when they start coming in.
Unfortunately Canada is in the midst of a rotating postal strike.
I'm hoping to receive 20 cards. Don't need a lot. I'm happy that I get to send too. I have made 70 cards. Some are for my regular send out too. To keep costs down I have to stick to one layer cards. But I'm making cards all the time and off nights addressing and signing cards
|
|
cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,375
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
|
Post by cycworker on Nov 10, 2018 20:09:17 GMT
I have so far addressed and packaged , added postage to all the Canadian and international participants. I have so far chosen one person from every state and have started on that list. Not sure I will be able to send to all. But to half. Postage here is very expensive. It's $1.50 per envelope for US. I'm not mailing yet of course but have piles of cards by region. Further away sooner I will send kinda thing. I'm so looking forward to getting cards. Haven't told my husband he will be surprised when they start coming in. Unfortunately Canada is in the midst of a rotating postal strike. I'm hoping to receive 20 cards. Don't need a lot. I'm happy that I get to send too. I have made 70 cards. Some are for my regular send out too. To keep costs down I have to stick to one layer cards. But I'm making cards all the time and off nights addressing and signing cards It's probably best to send to Canada sooner rather than later. While the strike is still rotating it won't be too bad. If it goes country-wide, who knows? That said, historically, once the union goes to full strike mode the gov't usually calls in a mediator or arbitrator to settle it, and while that's happening the gov't legislates them back.
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Nov 10, 2018 20:32:11 GMT
Btw...the holiday stamps from the USPS this season are a bore! They aren't terribly exciting. Last year's were better. But buying online gives a few more options than most local post offices - they have the cute stamps from last year too. Mine arrived really quickly and they don't charge much for postage. I have a little of everything, Xmas and non-holiday too, but I really stocked up on those global poinsettia stamps.
|
|
theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,411
Jun 26, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
|
Post by theshyone on Nov 12, 2018 5:53:11 GMT
I’m Canadian was in New York City and saved a bunch in postage by mailing all my cards from there. They will be super early but I could mail so many more.
I absolutely love getting the cards. I never have a surprise under the tree, so the cards are it.
|
|
|
Post by SnoopyFan on Nov 12, 2018 13:00:06 GMT
I’m Canadian was in New York City and saved a bunch in postage by mailing all my cards from there. They will be super early but I could mail so many more. I absolutely love getting the cards. I never have a surprise under the tree, so the cards are it. I received your card Saturday!!!
|
|
scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
Jun 26, 2014 14:43:10 GMT
|
Post by scrappington on Nov 13, 2018 20:05:22 GMT
I just realized when signing the inside of my cards I didn't write my username with my actual name. I just wrote my name and where I am from
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Nov 13, 2018 21:45:06 GMT
I’m Canadian was in New York City and saved a bunch in postage by mailing all my cards from there. They will be super early but I could mail so many more. I absolutely love getting the cards. I never have a surprise under the tree, so the cards are it. I got your card today too! (in Washington state). That was a smart way to save money/send more
|
|
|
Post by joblackford on Nov 13, 2018 21:46:36 GMT
I just realized when signing the inside of my cards I didn't write my username with my actual name. I just wrote my name and where I am from Everyone in the swap got the spreadsheet of addresses and usernames so we can look up who you are I think last year I got quite a few that just had real names or just had user names. It's all good!
|
|
theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,411
Jun 26, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
|
Post by theshyone on Nov 14, 2018 3:00:56 GMT
I’m Canadian was in New York City and saved a bunch in postage by mailing all my cards from there. They will be super early but I could mail so many more. I absolutely love getting the cards. I never have a surprise under the tree, so the cards are it. I got your card today too! (in Washington state). That was a smart way to save money/send more Wow us postal service is impressive.
|
|
|
Post by gmcwife1 on Nov 14, 2018 5:45:28 GMT
I’m Canadian was in New York City and saved a bunch in postage by mailing all my cards from there. They will be super early but I could mail so many more. I absolutely love getting the cards. I never have a surprise under the tree, so the cards are it. I got your card today too! (in Washington state). That was a smart way to save money/send more Same state and we got ours today too!! Thank you theshyone
|
|
|
Post by jennyap on Nov 14, 2018 10:02:24 GMT
I received your card yesterday theshyone - all the way over in the UK!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 10:06:26 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2018 14:16:20 GMT
theshyone: I received yours yesterday too! The kids were so excited to get the first card of the season.
Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by digirlwiz on Nov 14, 2018 20:39:48 GMT
theshyone, I received yours today-- it was a wonderful surprise to come home to and it is starting the season off on the right foot for me! I have about 30 cards made-- I am trying to make some each night! I send international first- then the US.... I really enjoy the swap!
|
|
theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,411
Jun 26, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
|
Post by theshyone on Nov 15, 2018 5:12:56 GMT
I received your card yesterday theshyone - all the way over in the UK! Wow
|
|
|
Post by highkeycrafting on Nov 15, 2018 7:57:12 GMT
theshyone I received your card yesterday in the US! I was so excited 😆
|
|